Kennedy, Cornyn champion the Back the Blue Act to crack down on violent attacks against our law enforcement officers

WASHINGTON - Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and 34 colleagues in reintroducing the Back the Blue Act, critical legislation that severely increases penalties for criminals who target law enforcement and gives our officers stronger tools to defend themselves on duty.

"Every day, our nation's law enforcement heroes put on a badge not knowing when the next call will be, putting their lives on the line to keep our families and communities safe. Anyone who tries to ambush or attack a police officer is attacking the safety and freedom of every American. The Back the Blue Act demands real accountability and equips our officers with stronger tools to protect and serve our communities," said Kennedy.

"Our law enforcement officers bravely risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and anyone who targets them should be met with the full force of the law, including the death penalty. America was built on the principles of law and order, and this legislation sends a clear message that targeted attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated, dangerous criminals will be held accountable, and our men and women in blue have our full and unwavering support," said Cornyn.

The bill delivers major reforms to protect law enforcement by establishing new federal crimes for:

• Killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer-punishable by the death penalty, a 30-year minimum if death results, or at least 10 years otherwise.

• Assaulting a federally funded law enforcement officer, with escalating mandatory minimums based on injury and weapon use. Charges require Attorney General certification.

• Fleeing across state lines to avoid prosecution for killing or attempting to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer-punishable by a 10-year minimum.

The bill also:

• Makes killing or attempting to kill a law enforcement officer or first responder an explicit aggravating factor in federal death-penalty cases.

• Narrows federal habeas relief for offenders who kill public safety officers, preventing years of repetitive appeals.

• Limits civil damages and attorneys' fees for injuries sustained while committing felonies or violent crimes.

Strengthens officers' self-defense rights by allowing qualified personnel to carry firearms into certain federal facilities and jurisdictions where they are otherwise barred.

The Back the Blue Act conveys a clear message: Attacking a law enforcement officer will result in the full, unforgiving weight of federal law. It closes loopholes, cuts off drawn-out appeals, and ensures the men and women who carry the full weight of the badge have every tool they need to defend themselves and the communities they serve.

Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) co-sponsored the bill.

Kennedy first joined Cornyn in introducing the Back the Blue Act in May 2023.

Full bill text is available here.

Read more about the bill in The Daily Wire here.